Grade VII - Authorised Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the following post:

Confined Competition: Education & Training Sector Candidate Pool

Grade VII – Authorised Officer

Initial Assignment: Ballyfermot Training Centre

(Permanent Post)

Ref: G7AO24

City of Dublin Education and Training Board (City of Dublin ETB) was established on 1st July 2013 under the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013. City of Dublin ETB has 3,000 employees and an annual budget of €580m.

It is the state education and training authority for Dublin city and serves the area covered by Dublin City Council. This provision is delivered to over 48,000 learners (20,000 full-time and 28,000 part-time) and is supported by a range of services including a psychological service, a curriculum development unit, a buildings maintenance unit and Head Office staff in Ballsbridge. It also has statutory responsibility for supporting the provision, coordination, administration and assessment of youth work services in Dublin city and is the lead partner for Music Generation Dublin City. City of Dublin ETB is also responsible for the national awarding authority for student grants in Ireland, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

Proposed Timeframe Shortlisting will take place week commencing: 11th March 2024 Interviewing to commence week beginning: 25th March 2024 *All dates are subject to change and are for guidance only Location of Position: The position will be initially based in Ballyfermot Training Centre, Ballyfermot Hill, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.

Salary: €55,846 - €72,602 (including two long service increments) (pro rata).

Annual Leave: 29 working days per annum. Hours of Work: 35 hours per week.

Summary of Position: This is a senior position, reporting in the first instance to the Assistant manager, Apprenticeship Services Unit, reporting also, as appropriate to the Training Centre Manager, Director of Further Education & Training and Chief Executive.

Essential Requirements

• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examinations (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational preparation) or equivalent or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable standard to Leaving Certificate or equivalent or higher or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise. • Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. • Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard. • Have at least two years in a Grade III post, or equivalent, or higher, in the Education and Training Sector. • Have successfully completed their probation period, or have successfully completed a probation period at a lower eligible grade.

Desirable Requirements

• Have a minimum of three years’ experience and a high level of expertise in the organisation and/or delivery of training and/or education to various learner groups. • Strong ICT competency and administration skills. • Have a degree equivalent to level 7 or higher on the National Framework Qualifications or its equivalent. • Have significant experience in managing staff including but not limited to general staff supervision, team-work scheduling, staff development and training. • Strong oral and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills. • Knowledge of Training Centre systems, such as the Apprenticeship Client Services System, AOL, processes and governance. • Self-starter with an ability to use initiative (being self-motivated, flexible and results focused etc.) to prioritise and manage work in a dynamic and pressurised environment. • Excellent judgement, problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. • A commitment to team-work and leading change and a demonstrated ability to manage resources effectively. • Strong skills in building productive working relationships and the ability to foster strong links with a range of internal and external stakeholders. • Good general knowledge of training in business organisations. • A good knowledge of one or more industry verticals such as Construction, Motor, Engineering etc. • Experience in a customer facing role with demonstration of strong people engagement skills. • Familiarity with SOLAS Apprenticeship Scheme and oversight of employer and apprentice mentor engagement services and processes. • Knowledge of SOLAS Standard Based Apprenticeship procedures • Broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to the area of work. • Experience of training advisory, identification of training needs, career planning, instructing, training administration, business consulting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities The general duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office: • Work with the Senior Leadership team of City of Dublin ETB to assist in the achievement of the ETB strategic objectives and in accordance with City of Dublin ETB values. • Liaising with internal and external stakeholders and other relevant agencies, bodies, and organisations. • Assist in the co-ordination of all the activities of the Statutory Apprenticeship Programme. • Carry out the functions/role of an authorised SOLAS Officer, in accordance with the role’s operational rules as set down by SOLAS. • Promote, and operate the Regulatory Apprenticeship programme as per the role description of a SOLAS Authorised Officer. • Provide information to employers, schools, and other interested parties on the Statutory Apprenticeship Programme. • Assess the suitability of employers to train apprentices. • Register apprentices to Statutory Apprenticeship programmes. • Brief employers on their roles and responsibilities in relation to the on-the–job Phases of SBA. • Deliver the mandatory briefing session to the employer’s nominated Assessor Verifier. • Schedule and deliver the apprentice induction programme. • Registration and payment of “off-the-job” allowances. • Carry out monitoring visits to apprentices and employers during their “on-thejob” phases. • Management of redundant apprentices. • Process applications to the apprenticeship appeals committee. • Process exemption applications for registered apprentices. • Approval of Apprentices for certification. • Actively participate in the Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony. • Be familiar with previous AnCO/FÁS/SOLAS employer and apprentice schemes. • Liaise with SOLAS, other relevant agencies, and representatives’ bodies where necessary. • As requested by the manager, obtain, and collate appropriate data pertaining to apprenticeships. • Assist in the delivery of initiatives for upskilling of the workforce, such as Skills to Advance. • All the above duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in consultation with the approval of the Training Centre Manager, in a flexible manner and a spirit of teamwork with the other staff of the unit. • Undertake any other duties as required by the Chief Executive or delegated Officer.

Competencies

Team Leadership • Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise. • Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team. • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives. • Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required. • Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team. • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis & Decision Making • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors. • Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions. • Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions. • Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these. • Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management & Delivery of Results • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives. • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. • Structures and organises their own and others work effectively. • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available. • Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required. • Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation. • Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments / changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively. • Applies appropriate systems / processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs. • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role. • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management. • Encourages open and constructive discussion around work issues. • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits. • Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances. • Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department / Organisation and effectively communicates this to others. • Has high levels of expertise and broad knowledge of FET relevant to his/her area of work. • Focuses on self-development striving to improve performance.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values • Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives. • Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands. • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon. • Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided. • Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

Note: Having read the competencies and thought about the demands of the role, for each of the above competencies candidates will be asked, on the application form, to demonstrate a specific example which illustrates how you have developed the relevant competency during your career to date which clearly demonstrates your suitability for this position, within your application form.

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement, including schemes not specifically mentioned above. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment. Notes: • Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all applications are received on time. Any technical difficulties encountered by the sender when submitting applications are not the responsibility of the City of Dublin ETB. Therefore, candidates are strongly advised to submit applications well before the 12 noon deadline on the specified closing date. • Your application will be assessed on the information you submit. Please ensure all sections are completed fully and accurately, giving clear evidence of qualifications, skills and experience. Incomplete applications may not be considered. • City of Dublin ETB may contact the named referees and/or employers for a reference should you be called to interview. • Selection will be by the way of a competitive interview which will focus on the key skills and duties of the role and the competencies associated with roles at this level.

Completed online applications should be submitted no later than: 12 noon on Friday 8th March 2024

Late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisting may take place.

Canvassing will disqualify.

City of Dublin Education and Training Board is an equal opportunities employer. Please be advised that this competition is confined to existing employees working in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Institutes of Technology (IOTs), which are now TU’s.

Any candidate that is not employed in any of the aforementioned organisations are not eligible for consideration.

Please see information guide for further details.